2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Test Drive Review

Having maximum utility doesn’t mean comfort and convenience need to be sacrificed, and the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is a perfect example of that.

A long list of advanced safety technologies and in-cabin amenities help the Pacifica feel like a much more expensive luxury vehicle, except with a lot more passenger and cargo capacity.

See how this ultimate family vehicle is changing the public’s perception of minivans with a closer look at our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited test model.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Exterior

Talking with other automotive enthusiasts, the general consensus is that the designers at Chrysler have successfully produced a cool and appealing vehicle, which is quite a feat considering those two words typically aren’t used to describe minivans.

Front and center is Chrysler’s signature winged-logo that provides the starting point for the Pacifica’s dynamic lines and soft contours. The vehicle’s overall shape more closely resembles that of a bullet train than a traditional, often box-y minivan.

High-intensity discharge headlamps and LED fog lamps add sporty details to the front fascia, while gently-flared fenders wrap over 20-inch aluminum wheels, upgraded from the standard 18-inch wheels as part of the optional Tire and Wheel Group.

Our test model came painted in a deep and rich Velvet Red Pearl paint, and featured standard hands-free sliding doors and liftgate. Simply place your foot underneath one of the sliding doors or rear liftgate, and watch the Pacifica open up on its own.

Other standard exterior features include a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, power folding mirrors with turn signals, and LED tail lamps.

With an overall appealing look and feel, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is redefining what a minivan should be with the help of elegant design features, thoughtful user assistance, and a more youthful essence.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Interior

As you step inside the spacious cabin of the 2018 Pacifica, it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t the minivan we all grew up with. With second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining third-row seating, this interior could easily be mistaken for a private suite in the first-class section of a luxury airliner.

The driver and front passenger are also pampered, with heated and ventilated 8-way powered seats, as well as access to the award-winning Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system. Using an 8.4-inch high-defintion touchscreen display, you can access satellite radio, GPS navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Uconnect apps, available 4G WiFi, and more. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, and also provides the ability to listen in on the media that’s playing on the seatback video screens.

Our Limited test model came configured for seven total passengers, and the class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go system allowed the second and third row seats to be effortlessly hidden in the floor, providing a completely flat surface and epic cargo capacity. With up to 243 possible seating and cargo configurations, the Pacifica is ready to handle anything you can throw at it.

With so many advanced assistance features, thoughtful amenities, and entertainment options, the Pacifica is single-handedly turning life’s errands into fun adventures.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Performance

At the core of every 2018 Pacifica is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (not including the Pacifica Hybrid). This capable motor features design elements that you’d normally find in a luxury sports vehicle: dual overhead camshafts, high-flow intake and exhaust ports, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, and engine start/stop technology.

Our test model came equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission that smoothly applied power to the front wheels for confident starts and spirited acceleration. At no point in driving the Pacifica did we feel that it was under-powered or sluggish — every input from the steering to throttle was accurately and quickly translated into desired locomotion, making the minivan behave more like a traditional car.

The Pacifica’s effortless driving dynamics are also due in part to an all-new platform that features a lightweight yet stiff structure that’s more responsive and agile. These unique engineering elements reduce noise, vibration, and harshness while still delivering the perfect amount of feedback from the road.

Our favorite assistance technologies are definitely the adaptive cruise control and parking assist, which greatly reduce the effort and stress of piloting a larger vehicle. All of these advanced passive and active features make the 2018 Pacifica Limited one of the safest vehicles on the road today.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Overall

Whoever says minivans aren’t cool clearly hasn’t experienced the new Pacifica — we’ve never seen more features and advanced technologies packed into a single vehicle.

Starting MSRP for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited is $43,695, and our test model came well-equipped for $49,665*.